About

Mathematics is a complex and varied subject, involving careful thought, collaborative working, logical reasoning and problem solving. We hope students not only improve their Mathematics but develop a love for the subject along the way.

Staff

KS3

Students follow the Key stage 3 National Curriculum programme of study, which covers the 6 key areas of mathematics Number, Algebra, Rates of Change, Geometry and Measure, Statistics and Probability.

Students will be placed in ability groups based on their key stage 2 test results or teacher assessments. In year 7 particular emphases is given to pupils developing and consolidating non calculator skills. Students are given the opportunity to explore and investigate new ideas and develop their problem solving skills.

Assessment

After each unit covered in maths students will complete an assessment. This allows both the student and teacher to assess the knowledge, skills and understanding gained; detailed feedback is provided to the student, In addition to this students will do some self-assessment of their work which is monitored by the teacher.

Homework

All students are set homework regularly. This can be book work or online tasks based on the current classwork topic. Homework may also consist of research, reading, revision activities investigations and the use of online homework from mymaths.co.uk which allows students, parents and teachers to keep track of progress.

How Parents Can Help

Parents can help by ensuring their child is properly equipped with a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, and an electronic calculator (CASIO is recommended – Sold in the maths department for £5)

We encourage students to ask for help when they need it. You can support your child’s learning by giving help if it is asked for and taking an active interest in the work which is being done and ensure that homework is always done neatly and on time.

KS4

Course Description

In Years 9 -11 Students follow a three year Mathematics Key Stage 4. They will aim to cover content from the National Key Stage 4 programme of study in Number, Algebra, Ratio and Rates of Change, Geometry, Probability and Statistics

The curriculum is divided into 4 pathways and students will cover one pathway each year, depending on their ability. Students that perform in line with expectations will move onto the next pathway the following year, others may have to repeat a pathway.

Details of the pathways are shown below.

Assessment

Each pathway is divided into 10-13 units, based around topics that will be assessed in the GCSE examinations at the end of year 11. Students will either be entered for Foundation or Higher papers and will sit 2 papers (current year 11) or 3 papers (all other years). Their grade will be based on their overall performance on all papers.

To monitor progress, all students will have an assessment book which will be kept in school, where they will be assessed at the end of each unit. You may access these assessment books below to review work done in class and help to cover any weaknesses identified in your work.

Students will also sit practice papers in exam conditions through years 9-11 to help prepare them for GCSE. The timings and outcomes of these assessments will be communicated to students and parents/carers through letters and your child’s Mathematics teacher

Homework

At Key Stage 4, it is expected that students complete 1 and a half hours of Mathematics homework a week. Some of this may be in your child’s Mathematics book, or on sheets or booklets provided for them, or online. It is important that they take care to present work well, giving their methods and ideas as well as their answers. Online homework is generally set via mymaths:

All students should have an individual login and password, and can always complete work on mymaths if they have completed other homework – this can be a really useful tool for consolidation and revision.